How to Size a Softball Glove | Measured By Inches, Not Age

Getting the right fit for a softball glove comes down to one measurement and a few honest rules. The number on the glove—11.5″, 12″, 13″—is the glove’s length, not a hand measurement. Most young players end up in gloves that are too big, which makes catching harder, not easier. Position and level matter more than age alone, and fastpitch and slowpitch call for different sizes.

Here’s the short version: measure the glove flat from fingertip to heel, match the size to your position and league, and aim for a snug fit that doesn’t swallow your hand.

How Glove Length Is Measured

Lay the glove flat on a table with the palm facing up. Run a tape measure from the top tip of the index finger straight down to the heel of the glove, where the wrist opening begins. That distance in inches is the glove size. It’s that simple—no hand tracing, no palm width, no complicated math.

Catcher’s mitts are the one exception. They’re sized by circumference in inches rather than length, typically running from roughly 31.5″ to 35″.

Fastpitch vs. Slowpitch: The Size Difference

The biggest mistake in sizing is ignoring the league type. Fastpitch gloves run smaller and lighter for quicker transfers, while slowpitch gloves are larger to help corral bigger balls and offer a wider catching surface. Slowpitch outfield gloves can reach 14″ or more, where a fastpitch outfielder usually tops out around 13″.

Before you pick a number, know which league the glove is for—it changes the entire size range.

Softball Glove Size Chart by Position

Position is the single strongest predictor of the right size. Infielders need smaller gloves for fast ball transfers; outfielders need reach; pitchers and first basemen have specialized needs.

Rawlings and Mizuno charts (available through Scheels) agree closely: youth fastpitch infield runs 10.5″–11″, youth outfield 11″–11.5″; adult fastpitch infield 11.5″–12″, outfield and first base 12″–13″; adult slowpitch infield 12″–13″, outfield 12.5″–14″. The Alliance Fastpitch guide adds that pitchers should look for 12″ or larger with a closed web to hide their grip.

Does Age Matter? Yes, But Less Than You Think

Age helps narrow the range, but position does more of the work. A 10-year-old infielder and a 10-year-old outfielder need different gloves. Retailer guides cluster youth fastpitch infielders around 10.5″–11″ and outfielders around 11″–11.5″. Older teens and adults shift up: DICK’S Sporting Goods puts fastpitch infield at 11.5″–12″ for ages 13 and up, with outfield at 12″–13″.

For young beginners, synthetic or entry-level leather is the common recommendation—it breaks in faster and costs less while the player is still growing.

How to Fit-Check Any Glove

Numbers get you close, but the real test is on the hand. Slide the glove on and check three things:

• Snug, not tight. The glove should feel secure without pinching or cutting circulation.
• Fingers near the stalls. Your fingertips should reach close to the ends of the finger stalls without being crammed in.
• No excessive overhang. The glove shouldn’t extend far beyond your fingertips—a common mistake with youth players in hand-me-downs.

One note on webbing: closed webs are standard for pitchers to hide their grip, while open webs are common for infield, outfield, and first base for visibility and quick transfers.

When you’re ready to buy, our tested roundup of the best women’s softball gloves this season breaks down top models by position and price.

FAQs

Should I size up so my kid can grow into the glove?

No. A glove that’s too big is harder to close and catch with, and it builds bad habits. Buy for the current season, not next year’s growth spurt. A proper fit—snug, fingers reaching the stalls, no big overhang—builds confidence and skill faster than a glove that takes two seasons to break in.

Is a 12-inch softball glove too big for a 10-year-old?

Usually, yes, for fastpitch. A 12″ glove is more typical for an adult infielder or a teen outfielder. Youth fastpitch infielders more commonly wear 10.5″–11″, with outfielders around 11″–11.5″. Position matters more than age, so an older youth outfielder might handle 12″, but a 10-year-old infielder likely won’t.

Can I use a baseball glove for softball?

You can, but it’s not ideal. Softball gloves are built with deeper pockets and different webbing to handle the larger ball. Using a baseball glove means a smaller pocket and a harder time securing the ball. For regular play, a purpose-built softball glove is worth the investment.